SOUTH Shields appeared to be heading for three much-needed points in last night’s STL Northern League First Division game – but were denied by Ashington at the death.

Stephen Ramsey pounced on a rebound on 36 minutes and Matthew Soulsby stroked the ball home from 18 yards midway through the second period.

With 15 minutes remaining, Jonny Godsmark reduced the Colliers’ two-goals deficit with a superb finish – but it was not until the last minute James Taylor netted the equaliser. In stoppage time, Shields’ Andrew Barclay was shown a second yellow card and after the final whistle his colleague Lee Bell was dismissed for dissent.

Shildon, who have not been able to recapture the form which took them close to the championship last season, moved into mid-table with a 4-1 win at Penrith, who scored first through Grant Davidson.